The Senate has called on the new government to follow the model set by the previous mandate, while working to resolve any remaining issues and paying close attention to the well-being and needs of the people.

In an October 2 activity report, it noted its appreciation for the work of the sixth-mandate government, which accomplished economic growth of 5.6 per cent while strengthened democratic principles. The July 23 national election was testament to their commitment, it added.

The report further highlighted that the government led by former Prime Minister Hun Sen had accomplished macroeconomic stability and decreased inflation, while driving stronger and more extensive social protection programmes, thus ensuring excellent livelihoods for civil servants, as well as the general public.

“The Senate trusts that the government of the seventh mandate will implement laws and policies which will continue to develop Cambodia as a nation where the rule of law is paramount. The Senate also motivates the new government to solve any remaining issues,” it said.

Senate spokesman Mam Bun Neang explained on October 2 that the report covered Senate activities over the past three months. During this period, senators met with members of the public in many different provinces, discussed work with various ministries and state institutions, and also held talks with members of the government to reflect on laws and policies that have been put in place.

“We believe that the previous government accomplished many significant achievements related to improving society, responding to the needs of the people, and pushing national economic growth, as well as development in various sectors,” he added.

He said the national strategies that the previous government adhered to should be regarded as models for the new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, especially in terms of the flexibility that enabled it to address issues promptly.

Asked what the Senate has so far observed of the Manet administration, Bun Neang said that although it was early days, the Senate was pleased with the work that had been done, such as responding to flooding issues. The seventh mandate’s Pentagonal Strategy also earned the praise of the Senate.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, agreed with the Senate’s statement, noting that the previous government had recorded many achievements, particularly its response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its hosting of the ASEAN Summit and the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games. He also highlighted the close attention it paid to public health and the way it drove economic growth as positive aspects.

Peou said he wanted to see the new government resolve the current issues faced by the Kingdom, such as the recovery of the tourism sector, online scam operations, promoting citizen’s livelihoods, and beefed up efforts to implement the safe village-commune policy.

“One more significant issue is the need to find markets for our farmers’ agricultural products. I believe the government should be devising new strategies to accomplish this, as it seems to have been an ongoing issue for 30 years,” he added.